Reviews

Fabulous show and an amazing resource for audio storytellers!

I’m a big fan both of Elaine and her show! Her enthusiasm and insights about audio storytelling are fabulous. The questions she poses to guests aren’t just about the story they’ve told, but about the thinking behind the story structure. You know you love a show, but why? Elaine helps to reveal some of that magic in a way that inspires you to up your own game. I’ve loved everything from her interview with Glynn Washington about hosting Snap Judgement to Johnathan Menjivar and his personal connection to the stories behind Classy.

Nerdette fan!
June 27, 2024

Do yourself a favor and listen!

Great guests, great interviewing, great show all around. If you care about audio storytelling, don’t wait — add this one to your queue.

splitwise fan
May 17, 2024

Storytelling Strategies

I am new to the podcasting world and had been unsystematically consulting resources in the last few months without a specific agenda. Elaine’s “Storytelling Strategies” episodes gave me a great framework to continue learning about storytelling - in a more systematic way!

ListeningWithCuriosity
April 27, 2024

A great resource

If you work in the audio industry, this is professional development in a podcast. Elaine pulls out and synthesizes essential tips to help all of us grow. Plus, it’s entertaining!

KobySpring
April 19, 2024

The gold standard

Simply a gem of a podcast, produced professionally, great tone, and rhythm. Whether you work in the podcast industry, or just a fan, there is a great wealth of insight into one of the greatest mediums out there. Long live the podcast and the podcasters . Elaine comes off as a knowledgeable, warm, and gracious host.

Row_Jimmy
Jan. 10, 2024

My New Favorite Podcast

I binge this podcast! It's fascinating to peek into a storyteller's mind and learn how they craft stories. I especially love the episodes that focus on a storyteller's hardest story. The insights from those episodes are priceless. I also appreciate that there is no "fluff" in this podcast. Elaine provides high quality content from start to finish. And her voice is so wonderful to listen to!

Amy Vicknair
Oct. 26, 2023

Do you want to appreciate podcasts even more?

Want to appreciate podcasts more? Sound Judgment is the perfect podcast for understanding why you love the podcasts you love, and the "magic" behind what comes to your ears. It is not magic and it is not easy. Elaine does a fantastic job of getting the best creators on her podcast, going into every detail of an episode and explaining certain creative decisions that are not easy to see/feel. I also love the three tips that are given at the end of the episode and that they are listed in the episode notes. It is really useful.

Ana Ribera
Oct. 15, 2023

Critical Listening

This is a must-listen for anyone that wants to develop their craft and push into great audio storytelling.

Matthew Mark Stevens
Aug. 30, 2023

Wonderful resource

Elaine’s conversations and insights are essential for anyone who wants to understand the art of hosting. As a young person entering the industry it’s incredible to get to hear from so many legends in the field—and from Elaine herself! Highly recommend.

ev_reviews
Aug. 9, 2023

Inspiration and education for audio storytellers

Elaine is on a quest to discover this mysterious quality called “hostiness,” but she already illustrates two of the qualities herself: a voice and warmth that are great to listen to, and a natural rapport with guests. Great questions which help us learn from each of her all-star guests, and she brings her own extensive writing background to precise and evocative descriptions of what makes great hosts and stories work. Fantastic show!

Nate, Narrative Podcasts
May 4, 2023

456645 stars!

Elaine is specific and thorough, answering questions that everyone is wondering, but not too many people are addressing. Each episode is packed with real advice, multiple takeaways for people in audio. The takeaways at the end are hugely valuable.

mspassell
April 10, 2023

Amazing resource for emerging podcast hosts

Elaine’s insights and understanding of all things audio/podcast combined with her authentic enthusiasm make this show a must-listen for new-to-podcasting hosts like me. Her topics and interviews give me accessible tips that I can apply right away. After hearing just a few episodes, I feel more knowledgeable and more confident that it will be fun and rewarding to keep growing and learning about the craft.

BikingInSeattle
March 28, 2023

Insightful and Thoughtful Content

Elaine is such a thoughtful interviewer and host. Her questions draw insightful answers from her guests that leave you as the listener with actionable takeaways to improve your own host skills. If you’re looking to add that “je ne sais quio” to your podcast and take it to the next level, Sound Judgement will help you get there.

Kpyatt
Feb. 25, 2023

Must-listen high quality show for audio creatives

Wish you could sit down with your favorite podcast hosts and hear behind-the-scene tips on how they make their shows? How they make such great stories? Hear their approach to being a great host who connects deeply with their audience? Sound Judgement is the podcast you need in your feed. It’s hosted by the uber-professional Elaine Appleton Grant and is expertly crafted with high-end content and stellar sound quality. 10 out of 10!

Lindsey O'Connor
Feb. 7, 2023

Finally, a show about the actual craft

Elaine clearly has a mission to bring us inside the MAKING of the shows. It’s bizarre to me that so few want to share the magic of making podcasts in favor of general advice, sans-audio clips, or industry voyeurism. This is so inspiring. Glad to have found it!

jacunzo
Jan. 18, 2023

A must listen for any podcast host

Sound Judgment is spectacular. Elaine Grant could give a Master Class on how to conduct an interview. She is generous, curious, and asks her guests the ‘perfect’ question to highlight the very best in her guests. If you host an interview style podcast, this is a must listen. Sound Judgment is a shining example of the power of storytelling and the importance of asking the right questions.

MHBloo
Jan. 16, 2023

Resource for Any Creative

No need to be a podcaster to glean insights into storytelling, reporting and the art of ‘hostiness.’ Any creative—writer, producer, artist—will find actionable tips in every episode.

CBI1958
Nov. 15, 2022

Great show for makers

Thoughtful, well-curated, and substantive craft conversations about podcast hosting. So worth thinking about in more depth. Sweet conversations, could use a touch of editing polishing to smooth out audible breaths and spliced transitions.

a feministtt
Nov. 11, 2022

Excited!!

As a podcast host and the owner of a podcast production company, I look to Elaine as an industry expert. This podcast is such a helpful resource and each episode is carefully and beautifully produced. Well done!

KarenTStew
Nov. 9, 2022

Sounds Great

Elaine Grant embodies the best qualities of a podcast host. She’s warm, friendly & delves into great questions about what makes podcasts and their hosts great. Her gift is taking us behind closed doors to hear how the pros make their magic.

Meg at the Movies
Oct. 21, 2022

First Rate

Fascinating exploration of what makes for spectacular podcasts and great “hostiness”…can’t wait for the next episode!

LisitaR
Oct. 7, 2022

A Podcast About Hosting by a Masterful Host

This is one of those podcasts where I knew within seconds of listening that I was in for a treat! In this Master Study on podcast hosting, Elaine Grant—a master host herself—digs into the architecture of podcast hosting at its best. These episodes are delightful, beautifully produced, and deeply informative for podcast veterans and newbies alike.

laurajoycedavis
Oct. 6, 2022

Great interviews!

Elaine is wonderful and this show is a delight to listen to. Highly recommend!

esotaria
Oct. 4, 2022

Great Behind-the-Scene Takeaways!

What a great first episode! It proves that telling your truth and being open to vulnerability are key ingredients to connecting to an audience. Eager to hear what each podcast pro has to teach us. Elaine asks all the questions that a listener or podcaster wishes they could ask of their favorite podcast hosts. I’m now an enthusiastic subscriber!

Fixin Vixens
Oct. 1, 2022

Valuable insights from a podcasting pro

The trailer already has me hooked. There’s such an overload of information out there about podcasting, but this one cuts through the confusion to offer the information podcasters need most: how to be an engaging, successful host who inspires listeners and attracts a large, loyal audience. Sound Judgment shares insider insights from a variety of popular hosts—all being interviewed someone who is a top podcast pro herself. What a combination! I’ll be sure to tune in.

LindaFormichelli
Sept. 13, 2022

Sound Judgment

This sounds like a fascinating new podcast. I can’t wait for the first episode!

tkayak
Sept. 12, 2022

Sounds Judgment

The trailer sounds fascinating and engaging — can’t wait for the first full episode!

quakergardener
Sept. 12, 2022